Canterbury toddler and great-great-grandmother at Barham House Nursing Home form special bond

Despite an age gap of more than a century, eight-month-old Cali-Sian Lee and her 102-year-old great-great-grandmother Edith Brittain have formed a special bond.

The toddler, whose middle name is Edie in honour of her great-great-grandma, loves visiting Edith in Barham House Nursing Home, near Canterbury.

Edith Brittain with her great-great-granddaughter Cali-Sian Edie Lee

Mum Lauren Butcher, from Canterbury, said: “They both adore each other massively and have huge smiles on each of their faces when we go to see my great-nan.”

Born on Halloween in 1917, Edith grew up in London but moved to Studd Hill, Herne Bay, 60 years ago to live in a bungalow built by her late husband.

There she raised her two children, later finding work as a chef at the University of Kent.

A talented seamstress, she made all her own clothes and referred sewing and knitting to the TV or radio.

Edith, who has vascular dementia, celebrated turning 100 in 2017, when she became Barham House’s first centenarian in three decades.

Edith and Cali-Sian have formed a special bond

Always laughing and smiling, her cheeky sense of humour and indomitable nature have made her a firm favourite at the home.

The great-grandmother-of-eight’s family visited her for lunch on Christmas Eve.

Cali-Sian was joined by her mum, grandmother Cheryl Brittain and great-grandmother Sylvia Brittain - bringing five generations together.

Lauren said: “It’s such a special time of year, being able to celebrate Christmas with all of our generations, and for great-nan to be able to meet Cali-Sian and watch her great-great-granddaughter grow up.

“Great-nan Edith was in bed as she was tired. She’s very protective of Cali-Sian and is always telling me to take good care of her and that she is very precious.